Director of Operations

Our client, a leader in the flexible packaging manufacturing industry, is seeking a talented Director of Operations to join their leadership team in Brampton. The Director of Operations is responsible for driving operational excellence and growth in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Overseeing a $34 million facility that operates 24 hours a day, 5 days a week, the Director will lead a team of managers and supervisors to ensure efficient production and continuous improvement processes. This role involves strategic planning, performance management, and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration to support the company’s goals and objectives.

Leadership/Management Responsibility:

• Manage all aspects of manufacturing operations through effective leadership of the Plant Management team.
• Provide regular feedback through departmental meetings, performance appraisals, coaching, counseling, training, and developmental projects.
• Ensure timely achievement of departmental goals by managing activities of all direct reports within prescribed policies and procedures.
• Motivate and mentor staff to encourage ongoing professional development and succession planning.
• Collaborate with the HR Manager on hiring and termination decisions.
• Develop and manage the annual departmental budget, providing monthly status updates.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

Strategic Development:

• Partner with the Leadership Team in the strategic development of the organization through research and implementation of value propositions for expanding existing business and developing new business.
• Develop and execute plans that leverage the company’s core competencies to meet industry needs.
• Create a strategic plan to forecast and plan for product mix and equipment needs, presenting findings to the President for review.
• Establish and implement an operational plan with the Leadership Team for approval by the Board of Directors, including short-term and long-term objectives.
• Maintain a formal Succession Plan for Plant Operations to develop internal bench strength and ensure management availability for growth and attrition needs.
• Network professionally with industry counterparts to maintain business relationships and stay informed of industry trends. Attend industry-related functions and support local community events.

Operations Management:

• Drive sustainable and continuous operational growth through metric-based management systems and efficient resource allocation.
• Manage the performance of the Plant Management team by developing, implementing, and monitoring Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), goals, and targets.
• Develop and manage the annual operational budget by reviewing financial statements, evaluating figures against forecasts, and ensuring any variances are justified.
• Liaise with relevant parties to review contractual commitments, customer specifications, and design changes to meet delivery timelines and customer expectations.
• Ensure optimum inventory levels to meet budgeted targets and oversee Quality Control goals and the Continuous Improvement program to maintain product standards.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives for all office and manufacturing processes to enhance efficiency and productivity.
• Collaborate with the Director of Finance, Senior VP of Sales, and HR Manager to align operations with overall business strategy and objectives.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and quality standards (e.g., cGMP, OHSA).
• Lead and participate in Operational Excellence programs such as Lean Six Sigma or similar efficiency improvement initiatives.
• Work closely with IT, procurement, and customer service departments to ensure a holistic approach to operations management.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Post-secondary education in Engineering with a P. Eng. designation is mandatory.
• Minimum 5 years in a senior management role within a manufacturing environment.
• Excellent understanding of manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, purchasing, inventory, and plant facilities management.
• Proven track record in team-building, mentoring, and people management.
• Proficiency in Excel and Word; experience with Microsoft Dynamics is an asset.
• Strong strategic, analytical, organizational, and prioritization skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Strong problem-solving, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.
• Experience with Operational Excellence programs such as Lean Six Sigma or similar.
• In-depth knowledge of safety regulations and quality standards (e.g., cGMP, OHSA).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Power BI for data analysis and reporting.
• Familiarity with AI tools such as ChatGPT for enhancing operational efficiencies.
• Experience using Microsoft Teams for collaboration and communication.

Financial Responsibility:

Responsible for the Operating budget of $34 million with decisions significantly impacting sales and profit margins.

Signing authority up to $2500.

Define controls and standards to safeguard significant material resources from misuse or misappropriation.

Revision Date: June 20, 2024